Earlier this month news broke that Atletico Madrid were working to sign Manchester United star Ander Herrera on a free transfer next summer. According to several reports, the Spanish side had been talking to Ander Herrera and his representatives, and were confident a deal could be done. However, Manchester United have moved quickly to dash the hopes of the former La Liga champions.

According to the latest reports, the Premier League giants have triggered a clause in Herrera’s contract which entitles them to keep him at Old Trafford for a further year. The opportunity of one more year means United will now have additional time to negotiate a long-term contract with the player without the fear of losing him on a free transfer.

Herrera was named Manchester United’s Player of the Year last season and it would have certainly been a big blow to lose him, especially for nothing. The Spaniard has been a very important player for United over the past two seasons and I am sure the fans won’t want the club to lose him on a free transfer, especially as Marouane Fellaini could also be leaving to Turkey.

According to this report by the Daily Star, Ander Herrera earns £75,000-a-week, but it is not clear whether the midfielder’s new one-year contract includes a wage increase or not.

The report also claims Juan Mata, Luke Shaw, Daley Blind and Ashley Young will also have extensions in their contracts triggered in the coming weeks. The Luke Shaw part is actually quite interesting, especially as he has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford. Shaw was linked with Southampton weeks ago and only a few hours ago the Mirror claimed he could be used in a swap deal that will see Danny Rose move to Manchester United.